May infomation

Aoi Festival reproduces the imperial processions to the shrines in ancient days .
An Imperial messenger and his suite in court costumes assemble at Kyoto Imperial Palace .
The festival is called Aoi ( hollyhock ) , because all the participants of the parade decorate their costumes with hollyhock leaves.
Hollyhock is believed to have all sorts of powers, including protection against lightning and earthquakes, and guaranteeing easy childbirth.

Access : From City Subway Karasuma-line "Kitaoji" then City Bus No.Kita3 to "Misonoguchi-cho" Station,

City Bus No.9 "Kamigamo-misonobashi"

City Bus No.46, 4 "Kamigamojinja mae"

The parade is going on...

Misogi no Gi

MAY.4 10:00AM

Shimogamojinja-Shrine

This is a religious ceremony to purify "Saio-dai" dressing Heian period costume by the river in the Shrine.
Saio-dai is the main figure of Aoi Festival coming May 15.
In old days Saio was chosen from the Imperial Family, but now from unmarried ladies in Kyoto.

[ Shimogamojinja-Shrine ]

Tel : 075-781-0010

Access : City Bus No.205 "Shimogamojinja-mae"

Saio-dai does the Misogi

* Aoi Matsuri related events at Shimogamojinja-Shrine *

Yabusame Shinji

MAY.3 1:00PM - 3:30PM

Shimogamojinja-Shrine

Shooting arrows from horses on the gallop.

[ Shimogamojinja-Shrine ]

Tel : 075-781-0010

Access : City Bus No.205 "Shimogamojinja-mae"

Greatly exciting gallop !

Busha Shinji

MAY.5 11:00AM

Shimogamojinja-Shrine

Archery ritual to purify evil spirits and pray for the success of Aoi festival.

[ Shimogamojinja-Shrine ]

Tel : 075-781-0010

Access : City Bus No.205 "Shimogamojinja-mae"

Mikage Matsuri-Festival

MAY.12 9:30AM

Shimogamojinja-Shrine

Pre-festival ceremony to welcome the soul of the gods to the shrine. Bugaku dances are performed.

[ Shimogamojinja-Shrine ]

Tel : 075-781-0010

Access : City Bus No.205 "Shimogamojinja-mae"

* Aoi Matsuri related events at Kamigamojinja-Shrine *

Kamo Kurabeuma Ashizoroe Shiki

MAY.1

Kamigamojinja-Shrine

The horses, which takes part in the races on May 5, are checked for condition and speed, and divided into two equal teams.

[ Kamigamojinja-Shrine ]

Tel : 075-781-0011

Access : From City Subway Karasuma-line "Kitaoji" then City Bus No.Kita3 to "Misonoguchi-cho" Station,

City Bus No.9 "Kamigamo-misonobashi"

City Bus No.46, 4 "Kamigamo Jinjya mae"

Kamo Kurabeuma

MAY.5

Kamigamojinja-Shrine

A ritual horse race is held in this shrine since 1093.

[ Kamigamojinja-Shrine ]

Tel : 075-781-0011

Access : From City Subway Karasuma-line "Kitaoji" then City Bus No.Kita3 to "Misonoguchi-cho" Station,

City Bus No.9 "Kamigamo-misonobashi"

City Bus No.46, 4 "Kamigamo Jinjya mae"

Kamo Kurabeuma

* Special Spring Public Temple and Shrine Openings *

Jozan Exhibition

MAY.25 - MAY.27

Shisendo Temple

Shisendo Temple was built by Ishikawa Jozan, a renowned poet and scholar in the Edo period.
Exhibition of articles left by Jozan.

¥500

[ Shisendo Temple ]

Tel : 075-781-2954

Access : City Bus No.5 "Ichijoji Sagarimatsucho"

Special Opening

MAR.24 - JUN.4

Shokokuji Temple

Some parts of the temple, which are usually not open to the public, are on view.

¥800

[ Shokokuji Temple ]

Tel : 075-231-0301

Access : City Subway Karasuma-line, "Imadegawa" Station

Treasury Opening

MAR.20 - MAY.25

Toji Temple

An unrivalled collection of national treasures are open to the public.

Special opening of the Kobun-tei (tea ceremony room), and formal tea ceremony.

¥1,000 + entrance fee ¥500

[ Shoren-in Temple ]

Tel : 075-561-2345

Access : City bus No. 5, 100, 32, 46 "Jingu-michi"

Special Opening

APR.1 -MAY.10

Chorakuji Temple

Treasures related to Kenrei Monin.

¥650

[ Chorakuji Temple ]

Tel : 075-561-0589

Access : City Bus No.206, 100, 207, 201, 202, 203 "Gion"

Special Opening

MAR.8 - MAY.6

Kodaiji Temple

Scroll and sliding door paintings.

¥600

[ Kodaiji Temple ]

Tel : 075-561-9966

Access : City Bus No. 206, 100, 202, 207 "Higashiyama Yasui"

Special Opening

MAR.8 - MAY.6

Entoku-in Temple

Sliding door paintings.

¥500

[ Entoku-in Temple ]

Tel : 075-525-0101

Access : City Bus No. 206, 100, 202, 207 "Higashiyama Yasui"

Special Opening

Mid MAR. - Early MAY.

Obai-in Temple ( Sub temple of Daitokuji )

Karesansui, dry landscape gardens

¥600

For more information :Kyotoshunju jimukyoku

Tel : 075-231-7015

Access : City Bus No.101, 205, 206, 204 "Daitokuji-mae"

Treasury Opening

APR.1 - MAY.26 （not fixed yet）

Ninna-ji Temple

Important national treasures.

¥500

[ Ninnaji Temple ]

Tel : 075-461-1155

Access : City Bus No. 26 or JR Bus "Omuro Ninnaji"

Treasury Opening

APR.1 - MAY.31

Seiryoji Temple

Important Buddha statues etc.

¥400
¥700 ( including main hall )

[ Seiryoji Temple ]

Tel : 075-861-0343

Access : City Bus No. 28, 91 "Saga Shakado mae"

Kyoto Bus No.72, 81, 61, 62 "Saga Shakado mae"

Special Opening

Mid MAR. - Mid MAY.

Kogenji Temple ( Sub temple of Tenryuji )

Splendid view of Arashiyama from the main hall. Temple treasures and art collections.

¥500

[ Kogenji Temple ]

Tel : 075-881-1232

Access : City Bus No.28 "Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae"

JR Sagano Line "Saga Arashiyama" Station,

Kyoto Bus No.72, 83, 61, 62 "Keifuku Ayashiyama-ekimae",

Kyto Bus No. 73, 63 "Arashiyama"

Garden Special Opening

Mid MAR. - JUN.30

Hogon-in Temple ( Sub temple of Tenryuji )

Very famous Shishiku Garden ( garden of the barking lion ) made by a Zen monk.

¥500

[ Hogon-in Temple ]

Tel : 075-861-0091

Access : City Bus No.28 "Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae"

JR Sagano Line "Saga Arashiyama" Station

Kyoto Bus No.72, 83, 61, 62 "Keifuku Ayashiyama-ekimae"

Kyto Bus No. 73, 63 "Arashiyama"

Shishiku Garden

Special Opening

MAR.15 - MAY.6

Hiraoka-Hachimangu Shrine

Unique ceiling paintings of seasonal plants.

¥800

[ Hiraoka-Hachimangu Shrine ]

Tel : 075-871-2084

Access : JR Bus "Hiraoka-Hachiman"

Special Opening

MAR.20 - MAY.15 （not fixed yet）

Daigoji Temple

Special opening of Sanpoin, Kondo, and Reihokan.

¥1,500 ( for three places )

[ Daigoji Temple ]

Tel : 075-571-0002

Access : City Subway Tozai-line "Daigo" Station

* Spring Light-Up *

Kodaiji-Temple

MAR.8 - MAY.6 sunset - 9:30PM

Artistic night-time illumination is unforgettable.
Night light-up

[ Kodaiji-Temple ]

Tel : 075-561-9966

Access : City Bus No.206 "Higashiyama-Yasui"

Entokuin-Temple

MAR.8 - MAY.6 sunset - 9:30PM

Neat Zen garden enchants the visitors.
Night light-up

[ Entokuin-Temple ]

Tel : 075-525-0101

Access : City Bus No.206 "Higashiyama-Yasui"

Shoren-in-Temple

MAR.9 - 18, Late APR - Early MAY 6:00PM - 9:30PM （not fixed yet）

Night light-up

[ Shoren-in-Temple ]

Tel : 075-561-2345

Access : City Bus No.5 "jingu-michi"

* Kyoto Outdoor Riverside Dining *

Yuka, open-air dining areas along the river, are unique to Kyoto. They are set up during the summer months as a way to dine while enjoying a cool summer breeze.
Here are where you can enjoy the Yuka dining.

Kamogawa Noryo Yuka

MAY.1 - SEP.30

Along the Kamo River, between Nijo Street and Gojo Street.

Access : Keihan Railway "Gionshijo" or "Sanjo" Station

Hankyu Railway "Kawaramachi" Station

City bus No.5, 205, 17 "Shijo Kawaramachi"

Kibune no Kawadoko

MAY.1 - SEP.30

Along the Kibune River, northwest mountainside of Kyoto.

For more information : Kibune kankokai Tel : 075-741-4444

Access : Shuttle Bus from Eizan Railway "Kibuneguchi" Station to the area (15 buses a day )

Takao Kawadoko

Early APR. - Late NOV. ( Night Opening During Early June to Mid September )

Along the Kiyotaki River, west mountainside of Kyoto.

For more information : Momijiya Tel : 075-871-1005

KANKOU JOHO PRODUCT CO., LTD.

Information is subject to change. Please confirm information before coming to Kyoto.